Advocates have called on Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to reconsider has support for delaying a plebiscite on marriage equality until after the election in the wake of a Senate report which says marriage equality should be resolved by a vote in Parliament and additional comments from the Greens that say if there is to be a plebiscite it should be held at the election.
Australian Marriage Equality national director, Rodney Croome, said,
“The Senate report makes it clear that the quickest, cheapest, least divisive and most appropriate way to deal with marriage equality is through a cross-party free vote on the floor of parliament.”
“In the light of this report, we call on Mr Turnbull to reconsider his support for a plebiscite after the election.”
“We also welcome the Greens’ additional comments which say the best option for a plebiscite is for a parliamentary committee to work with the electoral commission to ensure it is fair and balanced, and for it to be held at the next election.”
Mr Croome said AME will continue to seek a meeting with Mr Turnbull to put the case for him to act on marriage equality in this term of Government.
“Should Mr Turnbull not shift position, we will focus our attention on making marriage equality a key issue at the next election, and ensuring that the next parliament supports marriage equality regardless of which party wins power.”
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668 or Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826.
Author: Rodney Croome
Publication: AME Media Release
Date: 16 September 2015